Eutaw Street Cardboard

Down On The Farm

2012-05-27T14:36:00.000-04:00

With every call up and roster move the Orioles make, I find myself pushed further and further away from my ultimate goal. Typically I have to then scramble, pick up cards of the new Bird and try TTM or IP attempts. Recently I have made scooped up a few cards of the players waiting in the wings.

Here is my first success from Norfolk.

Jamie Hoffman 2008 Bowman Heritage Prospects # BHP-61

Currently has played in the most games for the Tides, patrolling the Outfield. He is waiting for his second chance at the big leagues. His two game stint with the Dodgers in 2011 being his lone promotion to the majors. Currently, he is hitting .252 with 2 home runs and 18 RBI, good for second on the team. He is a good overall player but the solid play of Xavier Avery after his ascension might make the roster a tough cookie to crack this season. If he does, I got this one all locked up. If not, I know a few Dodgers collectors I could deal this one to.

Comparison Shopping

2012-05-26T13:03:00.000-04:00

So I snagged a few packs of Bowman and Topps Heritage, checking which I liked more. The answer...neither. Not a huge fan at all of either. Nothing appeals to me in the least.

Except Gypsy Queen. Yep. The product is growing on me, quickly. I don't enjoy its hobby price tag but it was the only product I felt good enough about to buy a blaster. And I got another "Hit". Check out everything below. All is available for trade.

2012 Bowman Gold

Vance Worley #105

CC Sabathia #190

2012 Topps Heritage Inserts

Matt Moore Sticker #45

Target SP's

Davis Price #61

Shaun Marcum #67

Pablo Sandoval #82

2012 Gypsy Queen

Matt Kemp Sliding Stars #SS-MK

Evan Longoria SP #230

Ty Cobb Hallmark Heroes #HH-TC

Joe DiMaggio Hallmark Heroes #HH-JD

Frank Thomas Moonshots #MS-FT

Derrek Holland Future Stars #FS-DH

Mike (Giancarlo) Stanton Future Stars #FS-MS

Trayvon Robinson Glove Stories GS-TR

2012 Gypsy Queen Mini's

David Ortiz Straight Cut Mini #1

Luis Aparicio Gypsy Back Mini #224

Phil Hughes Green Mini #23

Nolan Ryan Mini #256

Paul Molitor Mini #247

Al Kaline Mini #242

Brandon Belt Mini #310

Dustin Ackley Mini #349

C.J. Wilson Gypsy Queen Relics #GQR-CW

Bowman Base Cards:

8
9
21
38
58
73
103
116
152
191

Bowman Prospects:

BP108

BP42

BP66

BP96

Bowman Chrome Prospects:

BCP23

BCP27

BCP29

BCP66

Topps Heritage Base Cards:

37
51
58
106
112
120
122
200
218
225
229
250
255
266
281
284
285
332
352
420
424
431
463

Gypsy Queen Base Cards:

5
11
32
45
50
51
78
83
91
114
116
130
131
133
139
141
155
157
163
210
215
223
242
244
257
258
261
266
268
283

One Of A Kind

2012-05-14T22:00:00.001-04:00

Xavier Avery has had a very solid campaign in Norfolk this season with much speculation about his being promoted. The poor play of Endy Chavez and the nagging back of Nolan Reimold landed him in the big leagues.

He had an auspicious start to his big league career, taking the collar in four at-bats, but has rebounded mightily. A single, triple and RBI against the Yankees is a good way to make a mark on the box score.

Xavier Avery 2008 Tristar Prospects Plus Farm Hands Purple Autographs 1/1 #FHXA

There are not a ton of certified autographs in my collection and very few numbered ones, so this card stands alone. I traded for this bad boy a few years back and all I had to give up was some Mets inserts, I think. So long ago, who can remember? I am guessing I will continue to try and snag an IP or TTM of Avery in the future. If/when that happens, hopefully I can get something nice in return for this 1/1.

**Note: Avery's stats are as of 9:56pm when this old man went to sleep.

Stop The Roster Moves...Please

2012-05-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

The Orioles lead the American League East and I shouldn't be picky. But I will be. I haven't had the opportunity to get out to games this year and cache of autographs of players waiting in the wings leaves a lot to be desired.

The last 10 days has given Dana Eveland, Luis Exposito, Bill Hall, Stu Pomeranz and Steve Tolleson their first taste of life in the Orange and Black.

All I had waiting was this:

Dana Eveland 2012 Orioles Postcard

Eveland made his first appearance on Friday but didn't have his best stuff. He overcame a few tense innings and settled in late. Dana came away with a no decision but he showed a lot of grit and determination going six innings. The bullpen was able to come in and hold Tampa at bay allowing his offense the opportunity to win it. They did.

If anyone has an autograph of Exposito, Hall, Pomeranz and Tolleson if anyone is looking to deal. The O's keep winning, but all the roster moves are making it more difficult to keep up the pace. Help me out.

Beating The Odds

2012-05-12T20:59:00.000-04:00

I stopped in to my local card shop today for some supplies and decided to snag a few packs. I hadn't touched any new wax since Topps Series I and needed a fix.

I normally really like Bowman and the chance to pull some Orioles prospects I need but I wasn't feeling it today. Heritage didn't call my name either. 2011 Topps Debut tugged me for a second but didn't have the staying power.

I snagged three packs of Gypsy Queen. Yep. A set I don't particularly care for won out over all else. Why? No idea. Maybe the set is growing on me? Maybe I am clairvoyant.

Kyle Seager Gypsy Queen Autographs #GQA-KS

Prince Fielder Moonshots #MS-PF
Chris Young Glove Stories #GS-CY
Starlin Castro Sliding Stars #SS-SC

Asdrubal Cabrera Mini Black #15
Eddie Murray Mini #263
Chad Billingsley Mini Gypsy Queen Back #46

I was expecting a lot of garbage in my packs like last year, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Two mini parallels and an autograph, I can't be too upset. Although, who the hell is Kyle Seager?

Either way, all the above are available for trade, LMK. Here are the base cards:

5
9
19
38
46
66
81
82
93
136
165
172
187
198
202
213
230
242
246
258
261
266

The Best Series...Ever

2012-05-06T21:23:00.000-04:00

This weekend marked the first time since 1994 the Baltimore Orioles swept the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. They did so in quite a dramatic fashion...twice.

The series started with a 13 inning game showcasing more of the Orioles league leading bullpen. They pitched eight innings in relief and allowed zero runs, waiting for the Orioles bats to wake up. They did just that in the 13th inning, scoring twice. A very nice start to the series, keeping their modest two-game winning streak alive.

Saturday afternoon they decided to make it easier on fans.  A 7 run third inning was all Jason Hammel needed to grab his third win of the season. The bullpen was perfect yet again.

What did they have in store for the fans on Sunday?

Only the best game of the year.

Three early home runs gave the Birds a 5-0 lead that was eliminated when rookie Will Middlebrooks hit his first career home run. The grand slam knotted the game at 5. Nine innings weren't enough to decide a winner as both bullpens were ridiculous.  Ridiculously good. Troy Patton did give up a run in the 8th inning, ending a 20+ scoreless inning streak by the bullpen.

Then things got interesting. Leadoff runners, awful bunts and double plays pushed the game closer to the six hour mark. The Orioles had too many chances to win and seemed to give up in the 16th inning.

Designated Hitter Chris Davis made his first ever professional pitching appearance in the top of the inning. Not a good sign.

Apparently Buck Showalter knew something we didn't.  Davis topped out at 90MPH and showed a great split finger fastball. He actually looked like a pitcher. He struck out the first batter he faced, recorded a second out, then Marlon Byrd reached via error. A double to the gap in left-center seemed to end it all. Adam Jones to J.J. Hardy to a diesel Matt Wieters at home plate cut down Marlon Byrd and the Red Sox.

The Red Sox then gave up in the 17th pushing Darnell McDonald on the hill. A three run shot from Adam Jones gave lead for Davis to lose. He made it interesting allowing two runners, striking out Adrian Gonzalez and inducing a game ending double play.

Truly amazing. I watched nearly the entire game and was riveted the entire time. Chris Davis is now my favorite player. He went 0-8 at the plate and struck out five times and was able to go and win the game as a pitcher. He is a first baseman people, not a pitcher. After the game he said Buck talked to him in the 14th to see if he could go. A two inning heads up and he can strike out Adrian Gonzalez, heroic.

Hopefully they can continue to be hot, I will be watching. How long until everyone else tunes in?

Chris Davis 2012 Orioles Fanfest Postcards

I am hoping to add a signed 2012 Topps card when I get to the stadium this year.

Big Pimpin'

2012-05-06T18:14:00.000-04:00

Do you like free stuff? I sure as heck do.

Check out a sweet contest at 30 Year Old Cardboard

Autographs From Beyond

2012-05-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

One of the sites that has served me well over the years is SportsCollectors.net. It is a great reference for addresses, complete team listings, successes adnfor trading. Paternity leave didn't allow for a ton of time, but I was able to carve out some baseball card time. Here are two additions of deceased players I was ale to add.

Curt Blefary 1966 Topps #460

Blefary made his Major League Debut in 1965 for the Orioles and put together a standout season. He hit .260, drove in 70 runs with 22 home runs, enough to earn him American League Rookie of the Year honors. Blefary could always hit, but his sub par fielding eventually limited his time in the starting lineup. He bounced around after Baltimore, hanging up his spikes following the 1972 season.

After his playing career ended, Curt migrated South as many Northerners do. He lived in Florida until his passing in 2001. He always had a connection with Baltimore and the fans here. His burial wish was to be interned at Memorial Stadium, but that couldn't happen. Instead, his ashes were scattered at the stadium in a private ceremony.

Darrell Johnson Index Card

Johnson appeared in six games for the Birds in 1962 to finish off his ten year career. He was ineffective at best and was soon able to start the second phase of his baseball career, management. He was a scout before finally moving back into the dugout. He managed the Red Sox for three seasons, reaching the 1975 World Series. He became the original manager of the Seattle Mariners and then the Texas Rangers. All in all, 30 years in professional baseball, not a bad run. Darrell succumbed to leukemia in 2004.

Have A Nice "O'Day"

2012-05-05T22:36:00.000-04:00

Corny title, I know. I just couldn't help myself, it was way too easy when you receive this:

Who would have thunk it? The Orioles have the best bullpen in baseball. And Darren O'Day is a huge reason for that. After Saturday's appearance, he has a minuscule .068 ERA. What does that get him? Fourth place on the team behind the 0.00 ERA of Luis Ayala, Jim Johnson and Pedro Strop.

Not too shabby for the doormats of the American League East. Keep it going boys.

Yet another shout out goes to Ryan of The Great Orioles Autograph Project for the O'Day. He actually has a few more postcards I can use, we shall see if I can pry them away.

Eat, Sleep, Live Orioles

2012-04-22T11:27:00.004-04:00

Eat

Sleep

Live

It's official, my 5 day old son has more Orioles gear than I do. A big thanks to My Uncle for all the new schwag.

Arrival of The Kid

2012-04-18T07:20:00.003-04:00

Not Ken Griffey Jr. My son.

Born April 17, 2012 at 5:55 pm.

Both The Kid and Wifey were amazing and are doing wonderful.

My brother projected his stats to be: .312 avg, 32 HR, 117 RBI.

Not sure which year yet, or if it videogame stats or not. An uncle can dream can't he?

Ronny Paulino's First Appearance

2012-04-15T20:29:00.004-04:00

Prior to the season, William from Foul Bunt, reached out about Ronny. He had a pretty sweet auto laying around and I was more than happy to take it off his hands.

Ronny Paulino 2008 Stadium Club Beam Team Autographs #RP

Ronny had torn the cover off the ball in his limited appearances this year. Seven hits in 13 at bats filling in for Matt Wieters, can't ask for more from a backup.

I am working on a return package. Not sure when it will get out, Wifey has a scheduled induction tomorrow.

Wish us luck.

Can't Keep Up This Pace

2012-04-08T20:25:00.000-04:00

After the first series of the season, I am quite impressed with my home town Birds. Only three earned runs during a three game sweep of the Twins. Why not, 2012? All I hope for is for the team to be competitive. Bring on the Yankees.

The other trend that cannot keep up is all these new look Orioles. During opening weekend, eight different players made their Oriole debut. Wilson Betemit and Matt Lindstrom on Friday. Ronny Paulino, Ryan Flaherty and Luis Ayala donned the orange and black on Saturday and Endy Chavez, Nick Johnson and Jason Hammel on Sunday.

Eight players, three games, and I only have one of their autographs, Ryan Flaherty. So who has any of the other guys available? Looking for any autographs and base cards of Luis Ayala.

Orioles Needed

2012-04-07T20:35:00.001-04:00

Looking to add a few base cards to get autographs. Below is a list of the players I need at all levels of the organization.

Orioles:
Pitchers
Luis Ayala- Anything
Wei-Yen Chen- Anything
Jason Hammel- Orioles/Postcard
Tommy Hunter- Orioles
Matt Lindstrom- Orioles/Postcard
Darren O'Day- Anything
Pedro Strop- Anything

Catchers
Ronny Paulino- Orioles/Postcard

Position Players
Wilson Betemit- Orioles/Postcard
Nick Johnson- Orioles/Postcard

AAA Norfolk Tides:
Pitchers
Dana Eveland- Orioles Minors/Postcard
Willie Eyre- Orioles Minors/Postcard
Chris George- Orioles Minors/Postcard
Steve Johnson- Anything
Jon Link- Anything
Zach Phillips- Orioles Minors/Postcard
Miguel Socolovich- Anything
Oscar Villarreal- Anything
Dontrelle Willis- Orioles Minors/Postcard

Catchers
Zach Booker- Anything
John Hester- Anything
Chris Robinson- Anything

Position Players
Matt Antonelli- Orioles Minors/Postcard
Xavier Avery- Anything
Scott Beerer- Anything
Jamie Hoffmann- Anything
Jai Miller- Orioles Minors/Postcard
Steve Tolleson- Anything
Zelous Wheeler- Anything

AA Bowie Baysox:
Pitchers
Timothy Bascom- Anything
Bobby Bundy- Anything
Zach Clark- Anything
Oliver Drake- Anything
Pat Egan- Anything
Eddie Gamboa- Anything
Sean Gleason- Anything
Robert Hinton- Anything
Daniel Klein- Orioles
Luis Lebron- Anything
Cole McCurry- Anything
Wynn Pelzer- Anything
Jacob Pettit- Anything
Stuart Pomeranz- Anything
Pedro Viola- Anything
Ross Wolf- Anything

Catchers
Allan de San Miguel- Anything
Caleb Joseph- Orioles

Position Players
Travis Adair- Anything
Edgardo Baez- Anything
Buck Britton- Anything
L.J. Hoes- Anything
Manny Machado- Orioles
Antoan Richardson- Anything
Jonathan Schoop- Anything
Tyler Townsend- Anything
Brandon Waring- Anything
Robbie Widlansky- Anything

A Frederick Keys
Pitchers
Scott Copeland- Anything
Jason Gurka- Anything
Andy Loomis- Anything
Justin Moore- Anything
Nathan Moreau- Anything
Kenny Moreland- Anything
Ryan O'Shea- Anything
Chris Petrini- Anything
Clayton Schrader- Anything
Kyle Simon- Anything
Ashur Tolliver- Anything
David Walters- Anything
Mike Wright- Anything
Richard Zagone- Anything

Catchers
Joe Oliveira- Anything
Scott Thomas- Anything

Position Players
Aaron Baker- Anything
Steven Bumbry- Anything
Michael Flacco- Anything
Tyler Kelly- Anything
Trent Mummey- Anything
Jeremy Nowak- Anything
Michael Rooney- Anything
Kipp Schutz- Anything
Bobby Stevens- Anything
Matthew Sweeney- Anything
Chris Tremblay- Anything
Ronnie Welty- Anything

Please let me know if you have any of these players, base, parallel or even autographs available and what you need in return.

Questions Answered

2012-04-07T08:15:00.000-04:00

Opening Day answered a few of my questions, albeit, prematurely I'm sure.

Nope, Wifey did not give birth to our son. In fact, she is still very much pregnant, and not happy about it.

Mark Reynolds would have hit his first fan, but Chris Davis saved a life at first base.

No one attempted a steal on Matt Wieters. Smart move.

Nick Markakis does not look hampered at all by his surgery and can still hit, hit, hit.

Adam Jones has not been traded. Yet.

Jake Arrieta looked awesome, I smell Cy Young.

Jim Johnson is 2.5% of the way to my predicted save total.

Damn this Kool Aid is good. Sure you don't want some?

Impulse Buys

2012-04-06T19:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I was able to take a lunch break for the first time in a long while. I grabbed a quick bite then decided to do something scandalous, go to my LCS.

This LCS is unlike what I used to know. It is clean. It is huge. It has only a few card display cases and not a ton of cards. Their niche is signed memorabilia. Pricey signed memorabilia. I paid no attention to that and snagged three packs of cards.

2012 Topps Jumbo:
Johnny Peralta Golden Moments Relic #GMR-JP

Inserts

Adrian Gonzalez Golden Moments #GM-5
Albert Belle/Mike Stanton Timeless Talents #TT-18
Willie McCovey Gold Standard #GS-9
Brett Gardner 1987 Topps Mini #TM-22
Derek Jeter Golden Greats #GG-28
Brandon Belt Gold Futures #GF-3
Mike Pelfrey Gold Parallel #214

I got one of the two relics in the box so not too bad. Unfortunately the Tigers uni on the front threw me off, I thought I pulled a Miggy Cabrera. Oh well. Also have four Golden Giveaway redemption codes I will not be redeeming available.

2011 Topps Debut (2);
Josh Zeid Solo Signature #SSA-JZ

Corey Brown Double-A All-Stars #DA-19

I don't know why I bought the last two packs of this product. I don't really care for minor league stuff because I have no clue who these kids are. But I broke down, again, and snagged an auto for my efforts.

All are for trade, and if you are looking for any base cards let me know. By the end of the weekend I hope to have a list of base cards I am looking to add to snag autographs on. Thanks for the read.

Opening Day Question Marks

2012-04-06T10:19:00.004-04:00

I let my Orange and Black flag fly yesterday at work, and local sportswriter Mike Preston laughed at me. For at least five minutes. He all but called me delusional and crazy. But isn't that the definition of fan, short for fanatic? According to dictionary.com, "a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal". Sounds like a pretty good description of me.

As I get prepared for opening day, I can't help but be uneasy. The Orange Kool-Aid has been coursing through my veins since I was four years old. I am the eternal optimist when it comes to The Birds. This year is no different. But as in the past decade, there are a ton of questions to be answered.

First Base
Will Chris Davis finally step up and become a full time big leaguer? Will he strikeout more than 200 times this season? Can he find a consistent power stroke? Can Nick "Journeyman" Johnson still play and provide a spark to the lineup?

Second Base
Will Brian Roberts ever play again? If so, will he ever be effective again? Can someone please get him some more HGH or clear, whatever he used in the past would be fine? Any chance Robert Andino or WIlson Betemit could fill his void?

Shortstop
How good can J.J. Hardy be? How long before he moves to second base? Is Manny Machado ready? Can we please find out?

Third Base
Did the demotion to first base make Mark Reynolds realize he has to field ground balls in order to play third? Will Reynolds injure a fan in the first row of the stands with an errant throw? Has he realized the right and left field lines are pretty damn short? Can he hit 50? Will he strike out more than Chris Davis?

Catcher
How good can Matt Wieters be? Will anyone steal a base against him?

Left Field
Can Nolan Reimold capture some of the magic from his rookie campaign?

Center Field
How long will Adam Jones be in Baltimore?

Right Field
Where did Nick Markakis' power go? Does he have the ability to protect the power hitters in our lineup?

Starting Staff
Can a staff loaded with #3 starters develop an ace? Will Jake Arrieta and Brian Matusz make strides toward their potential? Will the new Asian Persuasion be effective against MLB batters? Can Chris Tillman develop and build on his good Spring? Can Zach Britton get healthy?

Bullpen
Can Jim Johnson get it done in the closer role? How often will Kevin Gregg pour gasoline on a fire?

Fandom
Will Wifey give birth to our son in the stands today?

If the answers to these questions are: Davis will start 140 games, strikeout 195 times, bash 25 HR, as Nick Johnson fills in admirably at first; while B-Rob makes a full recovery with PED's, being backed by the excellence of Andino and Betemit's .285 average and 15 HR; where Hardy doesn't have to change positions to become an All-Star so Machado can become more seasoned in the minors; as Mark Reynolds keeps his head and ass down to field grounders, maims only one fan early in the season, sprays bombs down the lines to hit 50 HR with 188 strike outs, eight less than Davis; with Wieters winning another Gold Glove and starting in the All-Star game, allowing zero stolen bases; as Reimold locks himself in the starting lineup and anchors the back third of the order; while Adam Jones signs a long term deal to blow bubbles, steal bases and be adored by fans; so pressure is taken off Markakis and he can just hit, hit, hit and throw out base runners; while Arrieta, Matusz, Chen, Hunter and Tillman win at least ten games each with Jake falling into the ace role, so Britton can heal and be effective down the stretch; as Jim Johnson saves 40 and Kevin Gregg has a great start to the season so we can trade him for a well fit puzzle piece; and Yes: the Orioles will be relevant again.

Seriously it could happen. Anyone thirsty? I've got a fresh batch of the Orange stuff for ya. It tastes delicious.

Even if they lose and are awful this year, a birth in section 340 on Opening Day would be a big story.

Not In My House!

2012-03-21T19:18:00.002-04:00

Today, Roger Goodell and the NFL levied heavy fines and sanctions on the New Orleans Saints, their coaching staff and their executives. Similar sanctions will soon be levied on their players as well.

Roger Goodell has spoken. The sports-world has heard him loud and clear. "Don't F*&k with ME." Message received. But the sports-world is responding. Social media is exploding with comments and tweets. Talk radio will have months worth of material now that Peyton has landed and Tebow is on his way out in Denver.

The severity of the sanctions are being judged from all angles. Most deem the punishment too severe and not commensurate with the accused crimes. Others still are even questioning any wrong doing by the Saints.

Goodell himself has been questioned as to his ego and motives in this case. Many believe he is putting himself above the game. Playing God.

Isn't that what he is paid $10 million a year to do?

Be beyond reproach, the moral North. The man who answers to no one. Do what is necessary to make the sport the best it can be. Do whatever it takes to protect the shield.

I disagree with the punishments and how it was handled but here is my take on the whole deal.

Bounties have been a part of football for years, just as cheating and steroids was a part of baseball. Goodell is determined to not repeat history. "Bounty-gate" may not have the societal implications of steroid use, but violent actions and human safety are still hot-button issues.

Roger Goodell does not want to be Bud Selig. Selig sat idly by and let the actions of his people erode the confidence in the game he loves. Steroids ripped a hole in baseball that may never fully mend. Bud Selig was the man on top during that time and will forever be linked to this dark period in baseball. Goodell was not going to suffer the same fate.

He would not wait for a bounty go awry and turn a running back into a quadriplegic before addressing the issue. He had to act. Swiftly. Decisively. Harshly. Set an example and tell every team in the league that bounties will not be tolerated. It is his "steroid issue" and he took action.

Selig must be cursing under his breath today, wishing he had the balls to change his sport. Before the damage was done.

ROBBED!

2012-03-15T17:38:00.003-04:00

I rarely talk about anything other than basebal, but I have to divert from the path today.

I took a half day from work today, not for college basketball, but because I get a half day when I work Saturdays. The NCAA tournament was a pleasant bonus.

I didn't fill out a bracket this year, so I have no monetary ties to this tournament.

I watched the (16)UNC Asheville vs. (1)Syracuse and was amazed at what I saw. The 16 seed utplayed Syracuse all game and got hosed. I repeat, HOSED.

A clear goaltend against Syracuse went uncalled. I mean, the ball hit the backboard on a layup, then was swatted away. +2 for UNC.

A lane violation on a Syracuse foul shot. -2 for Syracuse.

Another ball thrown out of bounds by the Orange, yet they were still awarded possession. Unsure how they blew this one. Probably the worst call I have ever seen as far as possession goes. Syracuse then hits two free throws, -2 Syracuse.

That six point swing would have changed the game drastically. The referees should be ashamed at their calls. I am not sure if Asheville could have won, but they were not given a chance in the last 5 minutes.

Damn, I just love the underdog. Bring on Cinderella.

Autograph Six Pack

2012-03-05T20:47:00.004-05:00

I feel like I keep repeating myself with my trade packages. Ryan from The Great Orioles Autograph Project continues to help out my fledgeling collection. I have lost track as to how many trades we have made, I am guessing six. Sounds good to me.

Norm Charlton 1991 Donruss #384

My favorite of the "Nasty Boys". Why? Because he is the only one crossed off my list. Dibble never came to Baltimore and Randy Myers has something against sharpies. Now all I need is an Oriole variety.

Armando Gabino 2010 Norfolk Tides #22

Why do role players insist on putting their numbers with their autographs? Gabino's 26 means nothing. He wore 41 for the big club. Ripken's #8 I get. This, not so much.

Gordon Jones 1955 Topps #78

By far my favorite card of this deal. It is just as rough as the scan shows and I love every crese and bend in it. The faded autograph is a perfect match to the fascimile on the front.

Francisco Melendez 1989 Donruss #611

Hideous set. Sweet graph.

Orlando Sanchez 1982 Donruss #636

I am a big fan of the 80's afro. I can't rock one, but how I wish I could.

Pedro Viola Orioles Postcards

The only Orioles card of the bunch and no upgrade needed. His signature is only an extended PV with a number. It leaves a lot to be desired

Baby Shower Schwag

2012-03-04T15:43:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Wifey's family held an awesome baby shower for our soon to be addition. Our friends and family went well above and beyond for us. I can't thank them enough for all the stuff we brought home. I had to snag a minivan and put down all the seats just to make everything fit.

We received a lot of sports related toys and clothes but one piece stood out.

1960's Lego Little League Nodder Doll

My mother-in-law insisted it be paced in the baby's room. Too much stuff in there already. So I made room in the cave, right in between my Cal Ripken Bobbleheads.

The cool part about this bobble is that it is made of paper mache. Not plaster or porcelain, hardened paper. There are a few character building chips in the bill of his hat and a small crack, but those merely add to the piece. Oh, it's a coin bank as well. By far the best gift.

That's The Ticket

2012-03-03T12:01:00.000-05:00

2012 Orioles season tickets arrived this week, bringing with them excitement, anticipation, hope and a little fear. Excitement, anticipation and hope are staples in the dillusional O's fan handbag. Those I am used to, the fear, I am not. Wifey is due April 12th, Opening Day is April 6th. See why I am afraid?

If she pops a little early, no Opening Day. If she goes full term, maybe no Opening Day. Or worse yet, a bleacher baby. The only way to ensure Opening Day is OK, a four week early baby. Not sure I want to be wishing for that. My gut says my son will be born on April 6, 2012. Say 3:05pm.

Got me thinking about a few other tickets I have gathered up.

Camden Yards Opening Day Ticket

Cal Ripken 2131 Ticket

Cal Ripken 3000 Hit Ticket

Cal Ripken Last Game in New York

Yankee Stadium Commemorative Ticket

I have an extra of the Camden Yards Opening Day ticket if anyone is looking to add one to their collection. Just let me know.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

2012-03-02T18:40:00.003-05:00

Nope, not Herpes, this years FanFest.

I cleaned up with a lot of players I needed but couldn't hit every station, I had to draw the line somewhere. One of the few players I missed was Mark Reynolds. When I got a text this week asking for my address I remembered a friend helped me with Reynolds. I'm not even sure I gave him a card or not.

Now I am indebted to Brian by at least one autograph.

I am becoming a fan of Reynolds. However, I am not a fan of his annual race to 200 strikeouts. But I do like that he is all effort, all the time. His cyclone, one armed haymaker of a swing and "look out" third row errant throws are just side effects of his maximum effort affliction. And I'm OK with that. You wouldn't think a .250 lifetime hitter who averages 200 strikeouts a year would also have a .330 on-base percentage. Makes you think a bit doesn't it?

Mark Reynolds 2011 Topps #378

I love this card. It depicts what I was writing about earlier. Unfortunately this ball probably hit off the heel of his glove, trickled into left field and the speedy batter reached second base. Playing third is a bitch.

Thanks again Brian.

Step Inside The Way Back Machine

2012-02-28T16:00:00.011-05:00

October 6, 2001
Baltimore Maryland

Camden Yards was crazy. An electric atmosphere with an intensity I had only been a part of once before. The hottest ticket since September 6, 1995. Crowds of people surged around the stadium just happy to be a part of the event unfolding. Scalpers were more brazen then ever, trying to coax a ticket from fans at the gates. Any ticket. Supply and demand were in a brutal wrestling match, demand being the ultimate victor.

As I entered the stadium at Eutaw Street, I remember having a weird feeling. I wasn't anxious, or excited, or even saddened by the end of an era. I felt ...lucky, and that felt out of place entering the Yard.

I was lucky to be at the game, many of us were. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 changed everything in our country--least of all the MLB schedule. A full week had been shuffled and all previously devised plans to watch Cal end his career in New York were thwarted. I was not planning on being one of the 48,807 fans to click the turnstile.

I was lucky to have an Uncle willing to spoil me and my brother (21 and 23 years old at the time). My experience at each of Cal's milestones is directly related to his generosity. His love.

I was lucky to have grown up in the Washington D.C. suburbs after the Senators left, twice, and before the Nationals arrived. The Orioles were all I had for a home baseball team and, as I grew, so did my devotion to the Orange and Black.

But we were all lucky. Lucky to tune in, show up, or listen to one of the greats every day.

This day wasn't about a baseball game--the outcome was of zero consequence. It was about a city, a state and its fans showing their appreciation. This game marked the end of Cal's career but I felt more joy saying "thank you" on this day, than I did saying "congratulations" in 1995.

I didn't pay much attention to where our seats were when I looked at my ticket. All I knew was there would be no elevators and escalators for this guy--I was on the lower level. The walk from Eutaw Street was mobbed and it seemed to take forever to get to our section. We stopped just under the press box, section 38. When we stopped, I finally looked at the seat number on my ticket.

Holy. Shit.

Four rows off the field, directly behind home plate. One of three seats in our entire row due to the access tunnel to the belly of the stadium that was in the way. I have never inquired as to how my Uncle obtained the tickets and I probably never will. I am quite positive the answer would involve having sold something to a demon or such.

My seat allowed me to talk with Earl Weaver, Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer, Tim Kurkjian, and even Kelly Ripken. We were smack dab in the middle of the VIP seating and I was no VIP. But I faked it. I didn't ask for a single autograph, nor did anyone else. The day wasn't about getting autographs (gasp).

When the game started, my brother pointed across the tunnel to the gentleman sitting in the mirror version of my seat. Ed Norton, my favorite actor at the time. After realizing I had the same seats as Ed Norton, the game became a blur. I remember only slivers of the game itself. Strikeouts. Pop-ups. Brady Anderson. On-deck circle. Why did you swing?

After the final pitch my brain woke back up and vivid details remain. The cacophony of sobbing, cheering, clapping, and disbelief. Stunned fans couldn't believe they were cheering as one of their own struck out to end the season. To end his own career with Cal waiting for one last chance. His body language said it all: "Sorry". We cheered even though our team won 63 games, lost 98 and had a dreadful tie. We cheered despite our team having gone 17 years without a World Series appearance.

We cheered for Cal. We cheered for 2131. We cheered for 19 All-Star appearances and two All-Star MVP Awards. We cheered two Gold Gloves, eight Silver Slugger Awards and two American League MVP Awards. We cheered for 3,184 hits, 1,695 RBI and 431 homers. We cheered because of how he played the game. The right way.

Just another in the crowd, I rose from my seat, cheered on my sports hero and snapped a few pictures.

Little did I know, someone was snapping back.

I am the circled gentleman on the lower right, taking pictures. My face is brilliantly shielded by my camera so as to conceal my identity. And yes, this awesome photo and autograph were given to me by my Uncle. He spotted me in the background of the image on Ironclad's website. Cal personalized the autograph, "Kirk, Quick Take the pic!" and it was framed for me. My Uncle never ceases to amaze me.

Hanging this picture in my man cave made me realize I had never posted about it before. Sorry about the lengthy read, but I just had to celebrate Cal a little.

Actual Camden Yards flag pole banner from 2001

Without Further Ado

2012-02-22T20:22:00.009-05:00

My earlier post was met with a few requests for pictures. So when Wifey came home from work, I nabbed her camera and snapped a few. Let's see how long it stays this way when the season gets in full swing.

Entering the Cave

Close Up

Where the Magic Happens

Display Case 1

Display Case 2

The Pit

Storage

Workout Area